Whether you're happily in love or waiting for cupid’s arrow to strike, February 14th is fast approaching. Zagat polled nearly 800 people nationwide to find out about their Valentine's Day plans and preferences, and how they will (53%) or won't (47%) be spending the holiday.

Of those celebrating, 40% say “it is a time to celebrate love!” while 8% say they’re only doing so because their partner would make them feel guilty otherwise. Among those who choose not to celebrate, 33% say it’s because Valentine’s Day is a made up holiday while 14% are boycotting because they are single.

If you haven't made a Valentine’s Day restaurant reservation yet, you can bet the hottest seats in town are taken, as the majority of surveyors (53%) say they’re going out to dinner. This year, diners report spending more than ever on a Valentine’s Day meal. The average expected tab is $170.53 which is up 16% from $146.52 in 2012.

Think romantic ambiance is most important for your Valentine? Forget it. 51% of diners say they are most interested in how good the food is. So what’s on the menu? The most popular cuisine this year is Italian (17%) followed by French (13%), Seafood (13%), Steak (11%), American (10%), Sushi (7%), Mexican (3%) and Chinese (1%). One fifth (20%) of Valentine’s Day diners say they don’t care about the cuisine.

Unsurprisingly, more men prefer a steak dinner than women (16% vs. 8%).
Aside from dining out, the most popular ways to celebrate love include exchanging gifts like chocolate or jewelry (27%), cooking a meal at home (16%) or ordering in (10%).

Not every Valentine’s Day has a perfect rom-com ending though. A minority 5% of surveyors admit they have dumped someone/been dumped on Valentine’s Day, or broken up with someone because Valentine’s Day was coming….Ouch!